Vancouver Rare Plants
Alocasia Heterophylia Metalic Blue Albo - 001 - Preorder
Alocasia Heterophylia Metalic Blue Albo - 001 - Preorder
Low stock: 1 left
Couldn't load pickup availability
Alocasia Heterophylla 'Metallic Blue' Albo — Alocasia Heterophylia Metallic Blue Albo, Alocasia heterophylla albo variegated, Alocasia Metallic Blue albo variegata. Philippine species (Alocasia heterophylla); tissue culture grown. Deeper, bluer metallic sheen than Dragon's Breath — same species, distinct cultivar. Brown petiole speckling — consistent cultivar identifier. Three-element palette: metallic blue-green + white albo sectors + structural colour shift under light. Each leaf unique. Photographed individually. What you see is what you receive.
Not Dragon's Breath: Lighter, more silvery cultivar of the same species. Metallic Blue: deeper bluer sheen, thicker leaves, brown petiole speckling. Albo form distinguishes them entirely.
BOTANICAL DETAILS
| Botanical name |
Alocasia heterophylla 'Metallic Blue' — albo chimeric variegated form Trade spelling "Heterophylia" also used; correct name is A. heterophylla |
| Origin | Philippines (Luzon, Mindanao, Polillo); limestone coastal forest; "different leaves" = variable leaf attachment |
| Cultivar distinction | Thicker leaf, deeper blue-green sheen, brown petiole speckling — distinct from Dragon's Breath |
| Variegation | Chimeric — unstable; irregular creamy white sectors and splashes; each leaf unique. New leaves appear less metallic — sheen deepens at maturity. |
| Propagation | Tissue culture — disease-free, acclimated before shipping |
| Mature size | 30–45 cm (12–18 in); upright clumping; shelf and stand suitable |
| Skill level | Intermediate to advanced |
CARE REQUIREMENTS
| ☀️ Light | Bright indirect light — metallic colour-shift most visible here. No direct sun; scorches albo first. Grow lights recommended for Canadian winters. |
| 💧 Watering | Water when top 2–3 cm is dry. Drain completely. Albo sections show stress first. Reduce in fall/winter. |
| 💦 Humidity | 65–80% preferred; 60% minimum. Browning on white = humidity first. Metallic sheen dulls in low humidity. Canadian winter drops to 25–40% — humidifier essential. |
| 🌡️ Temperature | 18–27°C. No cold drafts. Sensitive below 15°C. |
| 🪴 Soil | Chunky aroid mix — orchid bark, perlite, coco coir. Limestone-origin species needs excellent drainage and aeration. |
| 🌱 Fertiliser | Half-strength balanced feed every 3–4 weeks spring/summer. None in winter or first 3–4 weeks post-arrival. |
| 🐾 Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs, children (calcium oxalates). |
ORDERING IS EASY
- Choose Your Favorite Plants: Browse through our selection and pick the plants with your preferred variegation.
- Add to Cart: Once you've found the perfect plant, simply add it to your cart.
- Select Delivery Option: Decide whether you'd like to pick up your plants in person or have them shipped overnight domestically.
- Complete Your Purchase: Finalize your order and get ready to enjoy your new green companions!
LOCAL PICKUP
We don’t have a physical storefront, but if you’re local to Vancouver you can choose free in-person pickup at:
📍Richmond Chinese Baptist Church,
10311 Albion Rd, Richmond, BC V7A 3E5
***Before checkout***
- Choose Store Pickup
- Select your preferred pickup date and time slot
- Add any notes in the Additional Details box.
If the available slots don’t work for you, select any time slot to proceed and then DM Lily on Instagram @vancouverrareplants to arrange a better time.
***At checkout***
- Select Local Pick-up (North Richmond Alliance Church) to waive the shipping fee.
🇨🇦 SHIPPING
Prefer delivery? We offer 1-2 days domestic shipping for a flat rate of
- $19.99 - BC-wide
- $39.99 - Canada-wide (outside BC)
Orders typically ship the following Monday or Tuesday after purchase.
From October to April, all shipments include a heat pack and insulation to protect your plants in transit.
If you’re concerned about weather conditions, DM Lily on Instagram @vancouverrareplants to arrange a suitable shipping date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Heterophylia or Heterophylla?
Alocasia heterophylla (double "l") is correct. "Heterophylia" is a trade spelling — both refer to the same species.
Metallic Blue vs Dragon's Breath?
Same species, distinct cultivars. Dragon's Breath: lighter silvery sheen; widely available. Metallic Blue: deeper blue-green sheen; thicker leaves; brown petiole speckling. Albo variegation makes them entirely different plants.
Is the variegation stable?
Chimeric and unstable — each leaf unique. Metallic sheen and petiole speckling are stable; albo sectors are not. Reversion uncommon in well-selected stock.
TC grown — what does it mean for care?
Disease-free, acclimated before shipping. Growth accelerates 4–6 weeks after arrival. Water lightly at first; repot after 1–2 weeks; no fertiliser for 3–4 weeks.
